Llanelli AM sets out bold metro vision for west Wales

That is the view of Llanelli Assembly Member Lee Waters, who appeared on the BBC’s Sunday Politics show this week (Mar 18),

Lee Waters outlined his vision for the world’s first fully automated metro system, and he says it should serve our local area.

Interviewed by Arwyn Jones earlier today, Mr Waters said: “The key for getting people to replace car journeys with public transport is having what we call a turn up and go public transport system. And that’s clearly not the case in Wales. In parts of Llanelli, the last bus leaves at 4pm – you’re just not going to persuade people to give up their cars under those circumstances. The question then is, how can we realistically create a turn up and go public transport system in Swansea Bay?

“We need to think imaginatively.

“The UK government expect automated vehicles to be on sale in three years time. This is happening quickly. Let’s not try and create a Manchester or a Sheffield type tram system – we’re thirty years behind the curve on that. Let’s try and leapfrog and establish the Swansea Bay Region as a test bed for this new technology.”

The driver-less system proposed by Lee Waters would employ fast-emerging technologies, including driver-less, low carbon bus transit systems. Maps and timetables would be replaced with public transport apps, with vehicles ‘learning’ over the time the most efficient routes to take. And door-to-door services could even feature.

Cautioning against a carbon-copy of the Cardiff and the Valleys Metro, the Llanelli AM called on those tasked with drafting the initial plan to match the boldness of the Swansea Bay City Region bid.

“The Cardiff and Valleys Metro is moving very slowly, because it’s so complex. For the next five years, you’re not going to see many additional services because of the time it takes to convert track to light rail. All prerequisites to getting a rail system working in a different way. I think what driver-less technology offers us, is a chance to not bother with that and instead having these car-sharing, lift-sharing pods taking us where we want to go.”

Similar plan: A driver-less metro system proposed for Moscow

The Welsh Government have recently agreed to fund the development of a ‘strategic outline case’ for improving public transport provision across the region. The budget allocation is the first step in deciding whether or not to pursue the 10-20 year vision for a Swansea Bay Metro.

Mr Waters welcomed the funding provision, but warned against fixating on journey time savings to London – stating:

“There’s a broader economic point to this – I don’t want Llanelli and the Swansea Bay area to be a commuting pad to Cardiff. Instead of sending people out of our area, we need a public transport system that creates viable and vibrant communities.”

In appealing for an ambitious approach to be taken, the Assembly Member contended: “For too long we’ve played catch up. We take ages, and too often the result is pretty shoddy.

“So let’s not do that again. We’re starting from an almost blank sheet of paper, let’s go straight to the future solution.

18-year-old arrested on suspicion of robbery

POLICE in Burry Port have arrested and interviewed an 18-year-old man, from the Llanelli area, in connection to a reported robbery outside Co-Op, Station Road, Burry Port.

A man was attacked and his bicycle stolen during the incident, which happened at around 9pm on Tuesday (March 13).

The suspect has since been bailed with conditions which prevent him entering the Burry Port area, while the investigation continues.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers and his bike has since been returned.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police by calling 101. If you are Deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908. Quote reference 32 of March 14.

Appeal after man’s brother with Down’s syndrome has bike stolen

AN APPEAL on social media has been circulating today (Mar 14) after a Burry Port man asked for anyone with information about his brother’s stolen bike to come forward.

Keri Mckibbin took to the social media platform after his brother, Gareth, who has Down’s syndrome, was attacked and had his bike stolen.

Keri Mckibbin said on Facebook: “My brother had this bag ripped off him last night whilst on his bike outside the Co-Op.

“The bike is thought to have been kicked and smashed and it has been stolen. My brother has Down’s syndrome and was unable to fight back.

“He is deeply distressed and is badly missing his blue giant mountain bike.

“It appears that the police know a minority terrorising Burry Port but say they are unable to do anything about them. Also, drug taking by the Co-Op seems to be rife.

“A zero tolerance approach to crime needs to start immediately. The town will only get worse if it carries on.

“Can the councillors please work together on both sides, drop any egos you may have and get something done please. Please sort this town out and work with the police and show the leadership required to do so or we won’t have a town left.

“Political correctness or sound bites are not acceptable to the people of Burry Port any longer or people will sort it out themselves.”

“Nearly everyone knows Gareth and knows how much his bike means to him, he is devastated.

“Please if you know where his bike is get in touch!”

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Police in Burry Port are investigating a theft of a mountain bike from a vulnerable adult from outside the Co-op yesterday evening. Anyone with information is asked to contact 101. Ref 32 of 14th March.”